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For Katherine Walters, deputy director of Lancaster County Parks and Recreation, no two days are alike.
One day can focus on budget and payroll. The next day it’s P&R’s afterschool program or setting up a coach’s clinic for the county’s youth sports programs.
And somehow she finds time to oversee 350 youth teams in 10 sports ranging from soccer to cheerleading.
But Walters, who last week was named as the county’s top employee for 2017, wouldn’t have it any other way.

With the Indian Land incorporation vote only weeks away, much has been said about how incorporation would change Indian Land and, depending on one’s stance on the issue, the benefits or drawbacks those changes would have on its residents.
Aside from the contentious issues of law enforcement and road maintenance, much less attention has been paid to the other services proposed for a future town of Indian Land beyond their overall impact on property taxes.

Low humidity, gusty winds and one discarded, still-lit cigarette combined to kindle the massive blaze that destroyed three homes Thursday in Sun City Carolina Lakes.
“I’ve seen cigarettes start a fire in grass, but never in 40-mph winds,” said Lancaster County Fire Rescue Director Darren Player.
Player noted that interviews and an initial investigation led county Fire Marshal Russell Rogers to come to that conclusion.
A Sun City resident, he said, told investigators that he was smoking on a porch deck.

There will be no shortage of fun things to do in Lancaster this weekend – events to entertain and to benefit the community.
The second-annual Red Rose Brew Bash kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with a free block party featuring live music, food and Benford Brewing Co.’s Green Irish Honey beer, all hosted by The Craft Stand to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Saturday from 2-10 p.m. is when the beer tasting will take place, with over 50 different beers to sample.

More than two decades ago, Jo Dee Messina became a country music-chart topper with a feisty, slightly rebellious sound, willing to leave her fate to the toss of a coin as in her first hit, “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”
Messina is a little less carefree now but still feisty. These days, it’s more about holding on than letting go. She has two children and runs her own music label, Dreambound Records.

More than 30 guests, program sponsors and participants crowded the Lancaster Bowling Center on Thursday to celebrate the Citadel House’s achievements after one-year of serving the county’s homeless.
“We serve them, and show love to them,” said Ismary Alvarenga, a volunteer with El Camino Ministry. “It’s our passion to be servants of the Lord.”

Lancaster City Council has voted unanimously to amend the city’s water contract and metering policy to limit late fees.
The new policy, approved last week, allows each water customer four utility disconnect extensions per calendar year. This allows customers delinquent in paying their bill by the 15th of the month to essentially extend their bill seven business days past the 25th of the month while paying just one $25 late fee.
Under the old policy, customers paid one $25 late fee on the 15th and another on the 25th if the bill still wasn’t paid.

Sixth Circuit Solicitor Randy Newman on Thursday launched his candidacy for a second term in office.
The Republican prosecutor, whose circuit includes Lancaster, Chester and Fairfield counties, made his announcement at the Historic Courthouse in Lancaster.
“I went through what I said I would do the first time, and I’ll continue to do that,” Newman said. “I’ve done everything that I said that I would do.”

Students and teachers filed silently out of classrooms at Andrew Jackson High School at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Some leaned against doorways. Kids sat on the floor with their knees up to their chests, heads buried in crossed arms. The only sound was sniffling, as many, including several teachers, fought back tears.
For 17 somber minutes, AJ mourned the 17 students and faculty shot to death Feb. 14 in Parkland, Fla.

The Lancaster County School District will hold a school-safety information session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Buford High School’s library.
The session, led by Safety Director Bryan Vaughn, is meant to show parents what has been done and what is still in the works for keeping their children safe. It is the third session sponsored by the district, with the first two at Indian Land and North Elementary schools.